Italy in March

Old Jul 7th, 2013, 04:39 PM
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Italy in March

Hi folks,

I'm hoping that you can give me some help on our trip to Italy next March. I know that this is not the ideal time but it is what we have after some travel in Africa.
We fly into and out of Rome and want to spend a few days to see the main sights again, our first visit being 32 years ago.
Next I really want to see the Amalfi area for 5-6 days but am wondering what it would be like in March ?
We have another 6 days in Italy and would appreciate any suggestions on what would be a good bet at this time. Perhaps further south ?
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Old Jul 7th, 2013, 05:37 PM
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In March it will be off season on the Amalfi coast - many restaurants and hotels will still be closed and ferries either don;t run at all or on limited schedules. The weather is too cold for swimming - and IMHO a beach resort out of season is not the best use of your time.

I would head for Florence - or the Tuscan countryside instead.
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Old Jul 7th, 2013, 06:23 PM
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Daylight saving doesn't come til March 30, so take into account not just the cooler temps, possibly very iffy weather, and the closed establishments, but also the short days. What will you do when it gets dark so early and you can't even have a stroll in the evening light, or a pre-dinner drink on a terrasse with a view and a calm breeze? When just finding a good restaurant that's open is a chore?

March is for cities - catch up on the museums and ruins and such, in addition to Rome, trade Amalfi for Florence and/or Ravenna or some such rewarding places where the pleasures are indoors, and where plenty of restaurants are open because it's a city, not a seasonal tourism spot.
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Old Jul 7th, 2013, 06:32 PM
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>>>Next I really want to see the Amalfi area for 5-6 days but am wondering what it would be like in March ?
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Old Jul 9th, 2013, 06:25 PM
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Thank you.

Agree that March is not the ideal time but that is what we have.
March 4 to 18. We have already been to the main tourist cities from Rome north. I guess we will just have to take our strolls during the day !
Anyone traveled through the country south of Naples & down to Sicily ?
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Old Jul 9th, 2013, 06:42 PM
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I've been there in March more than once and enjoy traveling then. Prices are lower the first half of the month I think. Do check when Easter is next year.

However, I haven't been south of Rome during that time, and I agree with the idea of going places like Ravenna, Florence, Orvieto, Siena, and the like.

If you want to go south, I agree that it would be nice to see Pompeii during that time -- maybe combine with Ravello? Good idea to check out Sicily; haven't been there.
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Old Jul 9th, 2013, 11:47 PM
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Easter is April 18 - 21 in 2014
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Old Jul 10th, 2013, 09:31 AM
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I've been in the Amalfi area a few times in early Spring and Winter and enjoyed it very much. If that is how your timing works out I think it is better than not going at all. It is quieter without the hubbub of hoards of tourists and you can catch a glimpse of how the locals live off season. Well, at that time of year they are gearing up for the season and they are not worn out and sick and tired of tourists.

I, too, think it is the best time to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum and just the coast itself. I have experienced
terrific storms which were exciting if you have a hotel room with a view. My friend and I still talk about sitting in the room or in the public area of the hotels and watching the weather over a glass of lemoncello. Or even in a view restaurant.

I would hire a driver and make the most of the time, they are locals and know where to go during the off season and in my opinion you will be greeted warmly when the business owners are fresh from their winter time off.

It is a slower time and if you get into the rhythm of just enjoying the time as it comes I think you will be satisfied.

If you are the go go go type of traveler you may want to choose a city instead, such as Naples, or visit Naples for a day or two in addition to the coast.
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